Breaking

Home Top Ad

Post Top Ad

Nov 9, 2018

ACLU files lawsuit to stop Trump's new asylum restrictions

President barred asylum claims from those entering between official entry points on the US-Mexico border.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said it was taking legal
action to challenge President Donald Trump's proclamation, which bans
those crossing between official points of entry on the US southern
border from receiving asylum.

The order, which lasts for an initial 90 days, was issued by Trump on
Friday after the administration issued the new regulations on Thursday.
Migrant caravan arrives in Mexico City en route to US border

"Neither the president nor his cabinet can override the clear commands
of our law, but that's exactly what they’re trying to do," the ACLU said
in a tweet, adding: "We’ll see him in court."

The Trump administration says it is trying to restrict claims of asylum
to official ports of entry, which are better resourced. However, the
move is the latest by the Trump administration to restrict the ability
to claim asylum or migrate to the US.

Earlier this year, the then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a
"zero tolerance" policy, which included the separation of children from
parents and criminal prosecutions for those caught crossing the border
between official ports of entry. Trump was forced to end his
administration's practice of separating families after public outcry.

Sessions also made it hard for those fleeing gang violence or domestic abuse to claim asylum.

Earlier this month, Trump sent troops to the border and has publicly
mulled plans to establish tent cities where asylum seekers can be housed
while their claims are processed.
Caravan in Mexico

The president's chest beating over migration during the recent midterm
election focused on a caravan of mainly Honduran migrants and asylum
seekers heading towards the US border.

Those who are part of the caravan are fleeing violence, including
political persecution, and poverty and want to apply for asylum at an
official border crossing.

The journey through Mexico is wrought with the threat of cartel violence
and human trafficking. Travelling in large groups offers the migrants a
relative degree of safety.

After resting in Mexico City this week, some caravan participants set
out for Tijuana on Friday, while others plan to leave early on Saturday.